Amid busy daily life, it’s easy to overlook subtle vision issues in children. However, healthy eyesight is crucial for their development. Since children rely on vision more than any other sense, undetected eye problems like myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and amblyopia (lazy eye) can impact learning and growth. By staying proactive, parents can help safeguard their child’s vision and overall well-being.

Signs of Vision Issues

There are several tell-tale signs that may indicate your child is experiencing vision difficulties:

• Struggling to read or holding books unusually close
• Squinting or trouble recognising distant objects
• Red, watery, or irritated eyes
• Frequent blinking, rubbing of the eyes, or complaints of headaches
• Experiencing blurred or double vision

Therefore, addressing these issues early can greatly improve a child’s learning experience, as well as their social and physical development.

Proactive Vision Care Tips

1. Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Regular eye exams with an optometrist can help detect any vision problems early on and ensure timely intervention if needed.
2. Limit Digital Screen Time: In a survey conducted by Optometry Australia, 51% of parents said their children are looking at screens more in 2022 than in previous years². This makes it crucial to plan regular breaks and adhere to screen time limits to reduce digital eye strain. 
3. Encourage Outdoor Play: Spending time outdoors exposes children to natural light, which is important for the development of healthy eyesight.
4. Be Sun Smart When Outdoors: Ensure your child wears a wide-brimmed hat outdoors or sunglasses that have 100% UV protection to help protect their eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
5. Encourage A Healthy And Balanced Diet: Nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, are important for eye health. Ensure that children consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fish to support their vision development.

Eye Philosophy’s Commitment to Children’s Eye Health

At Eye Philosophy, we’ve designed a specialised children’s eye test to ensure young patients get the care they need. Our expert optometrists tailor solutions to each child, from UV-protected glasses to Orthokeratology lenses, which help slow myopia progression.

Because vision is key to a child’s development and success, proactive eye care is essential. With regular check-ups and healthy habits, you can help your child maintain clear vision and confidently navigate the world. Taking small steps today can lead to a lifetime of better sight and opportunities.

Book a bulk-billed children’s eye exam today! 

¹ Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2008. Eye health among Australian children

² Optometry Australia, 2022 Vision Index

For other reference, you may read this article: https://www.optometrists.org/childrens-vision/guide-to-childrens-eye-exams/8-